VANESSA FANG

Inigo Taylor Climbing Photography

CLIMBING...

People always assumed I was vulnerable because I was a woman and a very petite one at that, but that has never stopped me. I've travelled around the world solo for three months, twice, experiencing memorable adventures like diving in Belize, rock climbing in Malta, hiking in Panama and sailing a tall ship in the Whitsundays, just to name a few. Much of who I am today was born from these incredible few years of meeting like-minded women on their own journeys of wanderlust and outdoor pursuit. Men too, definitely, but the stories of other women have always provided a source of inspiration to forge my own path.

For the last four years my life has been consumed by rock climbing, which has made me stronger, healthier and fitter than ever before. As I work a 9-5 desk job, I maintain an active lifestyle by training at both the gym and climbing gym on weekdays and never miss an opportunity to be outdoors on the weekend.

Living in Sydney I'm spoilt for choice with the Blue Mountains and the Sydney national parks on my doorstep, whether I choose to dangle off a rope on the side of a cliff or go on a long hike with my partner and two gorgeous doggies. That's not to say I don't love dressing up or spending hours in the kitchen meal prepping, but being outside in nature is where my soul is most content.

Growing up, I never had the inclination to discover anything beyond my fence line. The extent of my exposure to the great outdoors was the odd grade 0 bush walk with my family and to be honest, I didn't like it all that much. So how did I find myself here then, my life consumed by rock climbing, mountains and exploring distant lands?